Hong Kong companies are being urged to accelerate their expansion into emerging markets such as the Middle East, the ASEAN bloc, and Central Asia to reduce exposure to geopolitical risks. This call comes amid a worldwide pause on immigrant visa appointments by the United States, which affects visas allowing permanent residence in the US.

Jonathan Lamport, representing the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) at the Legislative Council, emphasized the importance of broadening overseas presence beyond traditional Western markets. He told the South China Morning Post, “The business sector cannot put all its eggs in one basket.” Lamport added that while maintaining relationships with traditional markets like the US and Europe remains important, strategic expansion into emerging markets must be accelerated.

The local business community is closely monitoring whether the visa disruption will impact the processing and approval of business visas. The pause, first reported by the Financial Times, specifically applies to immigrant visas and does not affect temporary business and tourist visas under separate non-immigrant categories.

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